FX Goes Full Episodes, FOX Aims for College Kids

Sibling TV networks FX and FOX are both expanding their online video streaming options, but playing with the notion of windowed content in very different ways.

Starting in September, FX will start streaming full episodes of its entertainment programming like Sons of Anarchy and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia from its online home at FXNetworks.com (sorry, no Shield, FX doesn’t have the rights). The catch? The full episodes won’t appear online until eight days after they premiere on oldteevee so FX affiliates can offer the programming through their VOD systems. Currently, full episodes of FX content can be found on Hulu and iTunes, and these outlets will also follow the eight-day blackout.

Elsewhere, the FOX network will stream the full episode premieres of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and the upcoming Fringe simultaneously with the TV broadcast — but only if you’re watching from a college campus. Computers logging in from a “.edu” address will have access to the full shows. The network is hoping to connect with the kids to generate buzz (and maybe stem some piracy). FOX isn’t sure if this special college programming will be a regular feature after the premieres.

Both approaches, though opposite, highlight the struggles oldteevee has as it recognizes the growing opportunities in online video to generate revenue and awareness, but must work through its legacy systems.